We are unlikely to see similar growth-orientated tech and digital initiatives this year, not that the National Party, which owns most of the tech-related policy, isn’t interested in spending on tech, which it sees as an economic growth enabler.

Having broadband on tap and Chromebooks, tablets and smartphones that can run the latest applications, helps kids learn. It aids adult family members to upskill themselves and take care of household admin more easily.

Tens of thousands of low-income families could gain access to broadband and the devices they need to connect to the internet with a digital equity payment delivered via the Ministry for Social Development.

Telecommunications provider Spark will next month launch a SMS “scam firewall” for its mobile customers which will automatically detect known fraudulent text message content